Tike construction



Sept

A. J. MEYER TIRE CONSTRUCTION Filed `May 1a. 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Am, j

Septo 28 192%., 1,600,989

A, J. MEYER TIRE CONSTRUCTION File'dMay 18, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 fwyfn 7".'

AUGUST J. MEYERA Sept. 28,1926. 4

A. J. MEYER TIRE CONSTRUCTION Filed May 18, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 AUGUST MEYER y WMU/#Sum ff0r/7qy` Patented Sept. ZS, 1925.

PATENT FFICE.

AUGUST J'. MEYER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. i

TIRE CONSTRUCTION.

Application led May 18,

My invention relates to an improved construction of automobile tire and improved means for mounting said tires on wheel rims. My invention is characterized by forming the tire of lrubber compound so that air cells extend circumferentially in the tire without requiring that the air in the air cells shall be under other than atmospheric pressure. With this construction I provide mounting devices for holding all portions of the tire in expanded condition normally, that is, when no load is placed upon the tire, the mounting devices being so conformed that the circumferential air cells are maintained and prevented from collapsing for this expanded condition of the entire structure of the tire; and at the same time providing by the structure of the tire, that the air cells referred to are maintained and that the tire is prevented from collapsing when the load on the tire presses it against a roadway or supporting surface suiiiciently to overcome the normal stresses of expansion'of the tire; this leaves the structure of the tire at the place of application of the supporting pressure, in sub- 'stantially neutral condition as regards internalstresses and in that way makes it responsive to a maximum degree to irregularities in the supporting surface or roadway. VIn this way I secure a maximum cushioning effect, which is comparable tothat of well known pneumatic tires, without using air under pressure in the tire in any way to maintain kthe tire in distended condition. My improved tire construction is of the so called solid tire class, the material of the tire being so disposed as to secure almaximum of cushioning effect due to the arrangement of the circumferential air cells referred to, the material of the tire` being so disposed, as to support the load required yto be carried by the tire, without materially deforming the tire section, with the result that a minimum of rubber compound is required thus making a tire section comparabley in weight with the tire section of a pneumatic tire.

A further result secured by my improved construction is that the application of load `to the tire is eifective in distributing the supporting pressure throughout the whole tire circiunferentially, instead of localizino4 vthe ysupportingpressure 'upon the supported portion the tire, usually the 1923. Serial N0. 639,769.

My invention will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments thereof in which Fig. l is a cross sectional view lof one embodiment of my tire and supporting devices,

Fig. 2 is a sectional View through the parts shown in Fig. 1, to a reduced scale, taken along the line 2 2, the only diiference being that in Fig. 2 the main supporting ring of the tire isy omitted and the intermediate supporting devices are shown in compressed ycondition with the material of the tire in unexpanded condition,

Fig. 3 shows in a view similar to Fig. 2 the intermediate supporting mechanism in expanded condition, expanding the cent-ral portion of the tire and with the main ksupporting ring in compressed condition,

Fig. 4C shows in a view similar to Fig. 2 the main supporting ring in expanded condition and the intermediate supporting devices in the relation they occupy with the structure of the tire shown in Fig. l, in fully expan-ded condition ready for use,

Fig. 5 shows in a view similar to Fig. l, a modified cross section of tire with devices for clamping the intermediate supporting means to t-he'main supporting ring of the tire to somewhat more positively clamp the tire to the main supporting ring than is the case with the construction shown in Fig. l,

Fig 6 shows in a view similar to Fig. 5, a modified cross section of tire in which the intermediate supporting means are independent of the retaining devices for holding the tire in place on the main supporting ring, so that `the intermediate supporting devices are free to transmit the supporting pressure to all parts of the tire,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 5 to a reduced scale taken along the line 7-7 with a part of the intermediate supporting mechanism in place before the tire is mounted on the main supporting ring, the expanded condition of the tire corresponding toI that indicated in Fig. 3,

Fig. 8 shows in a view similar to Fig. 7 the tire structure of Fig. G in fully `expanded condition with the inner member of the intermediate supporting means in place and the 'main supporting ring in expanded condition,

1g.. shows in sie@ reduced scale a modified construction of intermediate supporting mechanism for a tire of the construction shown in Fig. 6,

Fig. 10 shows in a view similar to Fig. 9 the reverse side of the intermediate supporting mechanism shown in Fig. 9,'

Fig. 11 is a sectional view through the construction shown in Figs- 9 and 10, taken along the line 11--11,

Fig. 12 shows partially in side elevation and partially in section, a modified construe` tion of intermediate supporting mechanism,

Fig. 13 shows in a view similar to Fig. 12 a further modified construction of intermediate supporting mechanism,

Fig. 14 shows in cross section, a modified form of tire in which the tire is permanently secured to main supporting rings, ,this view showing the mid portion of the tire in unexpanded condition,

Fig. 15 shows in a view similar to Fig. 1i the tire construction shown in Fig. lil. with the mid portion of the tire in expanded condition by means of intermediate supporting devices and with the tire in place on a supporting wheel rim,

16 shows in a view similar to Fig. 14C a modifi-cation form of tire provided for floating or independent support by the intermediate supporting` means, of the mid portion of the tire,

Fig. 17 shows in a view similar to Fig. 15, the tire sect-ion shown in Fig. 16 in fully expanded condition, and

Fig, 18 shows a section of tire similar to Fig. 6, with a modified construction of devices for retaining the tire on the main supporting ring of .the tire.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

As shown in Fig. 1, the tire section 10y consists of two circumferential tread portions 11, 11 between which an annular groove 12 is formed and from the tread portions, in `the plane of the groove 12, an annular rib 13 projects inwardly towards the ycenter of the tire, said rib terminating in annular supporting portions 1st, 1l separated at their inner edges by an annular groove 15. From the outer edges of the tread portions 11, 11 the side portions 16, 16 of the tire diverge axially of the tire and extend inwardly radially of the tire and terminate at their inner edges in main supporting flanges 17, 17 of annular conformation which, when mounted upon the main supporting ring, have an annular space 1S between them in the plane of the rib 18. The conformation of the tire referred to results in forming circumferential air cells 19, 19, one on either tread portions 11, 11, by intermediate sup-` effect is secured.

porting devices comprising a metal ring 2O upon which the inner edges of the lflange portions 14, 141 of the rib rest. rlhe ring 2O rests upon the edge flanges 17, 17 of the tire, which serve to sup aort tue ring 20, and the edge flanges 17, 1 are held towards each other and in expanded condition radially by the main supporting ring 21, which is flanged as indicated at 21a, 212L to retain the edge flanges 17, 17 in place, said ring 21 being preferably of metal.

In mounting the tire shown in 1 for use, the ring 20, which is preferably sectional as indicated in Fig. 2, to facilitate inserting it in place between the flanges 1e, 1/1 and the flanges 17, 17 is place-d in the position indicated in 2, with the ends of adjacent sections of the ring overlapping at one point. The ring 2O is then expanded to bring its overlapping ends into abutting relation with each other, as indicated in Fig. 3, for which condition the flanges 171, 15iare slightly compressed and the rib 13, the treads 11, 11 and the side walls 16, 16 are expanded somewhat and subjected to corresponding internal stresses. For this condition of the mounting means, the ring 21 is placed within the flanges 17 17, said ring 21 being preferably split at one point to facilitate overlapping its ends to place the ring in position within the flanges 17 17 as indicated in Fig. 3. The ring 21 is then expanded to move it to the posit-ion shown in Fig. il, thus exerting a pressure on the inner surfaces of the flanges 17, 17, which in turn exertsan outwardly directed pressure on the ring 2O sufficient to move it outwardly beyond the position indicated in i 3, with the result that clearance spaces are left between the ends of the sections of the ring 20, and the flanges 141-, 1i are further compressed to exert increased outer pressure on the rib 13 and the treads 11, 11 and side portions 16, 16, thus further expanding the parts of the tire. The tire is preferably so proportioned that when in fully expanded condition, corresponding to mounting it as indicated in Figs. 1 and Ll, the application of the load for which the tire is intended, will compress the tread portions sufiicie/ntl).7 to practically compensate for the expanaed condition of the tread portions, thns leaving the tread portions and the adjn nnt side portions of the tire substantially i ee from internal stresses and the tire therefore in a condition to be most sensitive to changes in pressure on the tire due to irregularities in the roadway and a maximum cushioning it will be observed that the application of the load to the tire and the resulting pressure of the tire on a supporting surface, places the pressure on the rib 13 and the side member 16, 16 and that the pressure exerted upon the tire is divided between the tread portions 11, 11 and is thus applied to the tire in planes through-'the air cells 19, 19. Also that the rib 13, bv

having its projecting flanges 14, 14 in planes -of the flanges 14, 14 to a greater extent than thematerial of the rib 13 is expanded, due to the manner of mounting the tire, and that therefore variations in pressure upon the tread portions 11,-11, are communicated in large. part to the flanges 14, 14, the rib 13 being less expanded and therefore in condition to communicate a large part of the variations in the forces applied, to the flanges 14, 14. The groove 15 therefore materially improves the cushioning action of the tire from what it would be if the groove were not provided in the rib portion thereof. It will also be observed that the expansive force exerted upon the flanges 17, 17 by the main mounting ring 21 is opposed in cong siderable measure by the inwardly directed radial forces exerted upon the flanges 1 7,

y17 by the ring 20, and the compressive action resulting from this relation tends to hold t the flanges 17, 17 securely in'place on the flanged rring 21.

In the modified construction shown in Fig. 5 the tire 1()a is ofsomewhat similar ycross section to the tire shown in Fig.

1, the only difference being that the proportions and conformation of the parts of the tire f are somewhat different from those shown in Fig. 1 and that the rib 13? is solid instead of being provided with an annular groove as shown in Fig. `1. In this construction the tire is .provided with an inytermediate mounting ring 20a, similar to -fportions ofthe ring 20, said cables being annular and of a'length to restrain the ring 2O:L against expansion beyond a predeterymined limit, when the ring 21a is expanded in the manner described above for the conf struction shown 1n Figs. 1-4 inclusive, Vto

A hold the ring 20a firmly against the flanges 17, 17a: of the tire, and thus provide a kSullivcient clamping, action between the rings 202L and 2.13 to vpositively` hold the flanges 1.7%,

17a in the position indicated on the ring 21a. The cables 22,l 22 it will be understood are endless rings formed by securing the ends of lengths oficable together in Lany suitable manner, for example by splicing or otherwise, the sole function of these rings being to prevent expansion of the ring 2Oa beyond a position for clamping the flanges 17 a, 17"1 between said ring and the ring 21a, but at the same time permitting suflicieiit expansion of the ring 2Oa to secure expansion of the tire corresponding to that above described for the similar construction shown in Figs. 1-4 inclusive. The reason for using cables to form theV retaining rings 22, 22 is that the retaining rings may be flexible enough to be readily inserted in the tire. It will be understood that these retaining rings may be made in any suitable manner and of any suitable material, for example soft iron or other metal, having their ends secured together in any convenient manner, whether stranded in the form of a cable or not, as long as the rings are of suliicient strength to withstand the clamping action described and are suflicently flexible to be inserted in the tire in the position indicated.

In other respects than particularly described, the construction of Fig. 5 is similar to that shown in Fig. 1 and operates in the saine manner.

In the modified tire construction shown in Fig. 6 the general cross section of the tire 10b is similar to that shown in Fig. 5, the principal difference being that the rib 13b is of larger internal diameter proportionally than the corresponding rib shown in Fig. 5 and that it is held in expanded relation by a sectional metal ring 20b having outwardly extending edge flanges, the sections of which ring are held in expanded condition by a solid continuous inner metal ring 20c also provided with outwardly extending edge i'langes, both of the rings 20h and 2Oc however, being narrow enough so that they do not engage the flanges 17h, 17 b, as a result of which the said rings are independent of any connection with the tire flanges and forma floatingsupport for the `tire rib, the relation of the parts permitting Vthe said rings to move rad'ally from the unloaded position shown in Fig. 6 between the edges of the Hanges 17D, 171 in any case where the loading or uneveniiess of the .roadway sufliciently indent the part of the the ex'ansion tvne above described yin sub- Y stantially the manner described for the construction shown in Fig. 5, and retaining Vrings 22",y 22bare provided around the inner surfaces of said flanges 17h, 17" operating in the saine manner to secure the saine result as far as clamping the tire flanges is concerned, as described above in connection with the construction shown in Fig. 5. The retaining` rings 22", 92" are constructed in the same manner as describe-d for the similar rings in connection with Fig. 5.

In mounting the tire shown in Fig. 6, the sections of the ring D are first put in place upon the inner edge of the rib 13" and are expanded sufiiciently io place the ends of all ofthe sections of said ring in abutting relation as shown in Fig. 7, for which condition the tire is somewhat expanded de scribed above in connection with Fig. The inner ring 2Q then put in piace inside ot' the ring 20D by further expanding the latter by any suitable means, and when the ring 20C is in place, the sections of the ring 2Ob are preferably held in somewhat separated relation as indicated in Fig. 8, this conoition corresponding to the condr tion of tlie tire shown and described in con-r nection with Fig. las far as the rib 13b and the tread portions 11b, 11b and side portions 16h, 16b of the tire, are concerned. After the ring 20, which as stated is preferably continuous, is in place, its edge iianges prevent displacement of said ring on the ring 20" and the edge flanges of the ring 2G" prevent displacement of both rings laterally on the rib 18". After the ring 20C is in place as described, the retaining rings 22",22b are inserted in the tire and flanges 1T, 17h are expanded against said rings in the manner above described for the construction of Fig. 5.

As a result of the construction last described, any displacement of the tread portion of the tire from its normal or unloaded position shown in Fig. 6, is effective in displacing the entire rib portion 18b of the tire and its supporting rings, radially of the tire with the result that the pressure exerted upon the tread portion is transmitted Vby the rib portion of the tire, to the entire tire circumferentially and is distributed over the entire rib portion and the entire side portions 16", 1Gb. In this way the detrimental effect of compression of the tire by la load is very much reduced and the resilient action of the tire is materially increased over what would be the case if the rib 13b were prevented from radial displacement relatively to trie remaining portions of the tire. ln Figs. 9, 10, and 11, I show a. modified construction of rib supporting ring 20d for su 3 Jortine' the rib 13b of a tire ofthe con- Y n l v v I struction shown in Fig. 6. rlliis modified ring construction consists of a plurality of v.f'sliaped sections provided with flanges extending on one edge outwardly and the other ede'D inwardly. The sections of the ring are assembled in reversed relation as indicated in Figs. 9 and 10 so that a groove is formed between the outwardly extending flanges, and the inwardly extending flanges are adjacent each other and furthermore the sections on one side of the ring overlap the sections on the other side of the ring longitudinally. The sections of the ring are secured together by suitable fastening devices, for example bolts or rivets 28 as indicated, these fastening devices being pref erably inserted after the sections of the ring have been assembled and in expanded condition in place on the rib 13b.

1f preferred, the ring 20" may be coinpletely assembled on the ring 20C before inserting said rings in the tire, as the clearance openings on either side of the rib 131 will permit insertion of the rings into the tire with but little springing of the flanges 17h, 17h and for this manner of mounting, the rib 18D is expanded by any convenient means to place the ring Within it. It desired the ring 20d may be assembled and put in place on the tire rib in the manner just described.

in F show a modified type of rib supporting ring 20e for use with the tire cons.. uction shown in Fig. 6, this ring consisting of a plurality of sections pivotally connected at their ends, which accomplishes two pui-poses: first, it permits the ring to be inserted into the tire more readily than a ring of the ordinary expanding type, and upon expansion of the ring in place on the rib, it permits the end sections'of the ring to be secured together by a removable pivot connection. With the removable pivot connection inserted through the openings in the lugs QOf7 QOf, the ring has a second advantage of being rigid as far as holding the tire rib outwardly is concerned and at the same time permitting suiiicient deformation of the ring from a circular condition to facilitate conimunicating the pressure upon the tread portion to all portions of the tire rib.

ln Fig. 13 i show a modified construction of ring 20g adapted for use with a tire of the type shown in Figs. 1 and 5. This construction consists of a plurality of sections as indicated, connected at their end portions by short chains 24, 24, which permit the ready collapse of the ring to insert it in the tire and then Servet-o prevent expansion of the ring beyond a predetermined amount when the main supporting ring is expanded in mounting the tire. In this way the ring 20S prevents expansion of the tire flanges beyond a predetermined amount and serves to posi'- tively clamp the tire flanges between it and the main supporting' ring, without the use of the retaining rings or cables above described. Y

In the construction of tire shown in Fig. 14, the tire flange-s 179.17c are vulcanized on metal rings 25, during the manufacture llO f with substantially the same results.

ofthe tire, the vulcanizing compound being indicated at 26, 26, so that the tire may subsequently be mounted on a main supporting ring 27 as shown in Fig. l5 and held in i place on said ring by any suitable fastening As indicated in Fig.V

devices, not shown. 15 a spacing ring` 28 is preferably employed between the rings 25, 25 to prevent their being forced too closely together in mounting them on-the ring 27. The rings 25, 25 andthe mounting ring 2? may be sectional or solid and continuous, as preferred. rEhe riblcof the tire 10c shown in Figs. 141 and 15, is held outwardly in expanded condition by a ring 20, similar to the ring` 2O above described in connection .with Fig. 1, and In Fig. 15 a wheel rim 29 is shown supporting the main mounting ring 2T, the parts being secured together in any desired manner not shown f Y The construction of the tire 10d shown in Figs. 16-and 17`is substantially the same as that shown in Figs. M and 15, with the exception that the rib 13d of the tire is oi" the typefshown in Fig. 6 and similarly supportedby rings 2Gb and 20C, with substantiallythe saine results described in connection withFig. 6. It will be understood that the vsupporting ring shown in Figs. 9 to 12 inclusive,'may be used with the tire construction shown in Figs. 16 and 17;

In Fig. 18, I show a tire construction 10F similar as'to its rib construction 13e and the support of the saine, to that shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In this .construction however, the tire anges 17e, 17e are held securelyupon the main supporting ring 21e by screws or bolts 430 extending through the ring 21 and said flanges into threaded engagement with metal ring sections 31 engaging the inner Asurfaces of said tire flanges to yhold them tightly in clamped relation against ythe main supporting ring 21e. With this construction the ring 21e may be continuous or if' preferred of the expanding type, and lin the latter case the results secured are substantially the saine as described above in connection with Fig. 6. As indicated,`the rinosections 31 may be provided with outwardly extending flanges 312L on their inner edges, of slightly greater external diameter than the ring 20, to form a guideway for the said ringV 20c preventing lateral displacement of the rib 13e, and therefore.reinforcing the tire against deformationdue to side thrusts.

From the above description it will appear that I provide a tire construction in which all portions of the tire are normally under stress in l'such amanner that the application of pressure to the tire in supporting a load, relieves the stress and places the material of the tire in amore responsive condition to variations of pressure upon it and furthertion employed throughout, maintains a den sii'ed relation of expansion between the tread portions of the tire and the flange portions at all times and in this manner maintains the annular air cells provided in the tire, of such cross section that they afford a condition of maximum resilience of the tread portions of' the tire at all times, in this manner undue flattening of the tire under load is avoided'and the pressures exerted upon the tire by loads placed upon it, are transmitted to the parts' of the tire most eective in withstanding these pressures and affording resilient action under them.

Vhile I have shown my inventionin the particular embodiments above described, it will be understood that I do not limit myself to this exact construction as I may einploy equivalents known to the art at the time of the filing of this application without departing from the scope of the. appended` claims. f

That I claim is:

1. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said` rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges.

2. In a tire construction, the combinationv of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from saidtread portion, and side members extending inwardly'from said tread portion 'and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges and holding the saine in expanded condition.

3. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber ycompound having a tread f portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and lholding the samer in expanded condition, and a main mount-y ing ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring being expanded to expand said rib.

4. In a tire construction, the combination v of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge iianges, an inner ring supporting said rib yand holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said ina-in mounting ring being expanded to expand said flanges.

5. In atire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring Comprising sections movable relatively to each other and expanded to expand said rib.

G. In a tire construction, the Combination of a tire of rubber Compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded Condition, a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, and retaining rings around said flanges holding them in Clamping engagement with said main mounting ring.

7. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending in wardl from said tread portion and having edge' Langes, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, a main mounting ring ysupporting saidflanges and holding the same in expanded Condition, and retaining rings around said flanges holding them in clamping engagement with said main mounting ring.

8. In a tire Construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound havingl a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending'inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, a main mounting ring supporing said flanges, said main mounting ring being expanded to expand said flanges, and retaining rings around said flanges holding them in clamping engagement with said main mounting ring.

9. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardlj,7 from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said rib and said inner ring being free from said flanges and said main supporting ring.

l0. In a tire construction, the Combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extendingv inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges and holding the saine in expanded Condition, said rib and said inner ring beingv free from said flanges and said main supporting ring.

1l. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, anA inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded Condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring eingexpanded to expand said rib, said rib and said inner ring being free from said flanges and said. main supi porting ring.

l2. In a tire construction, the combina-- tion of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said main mounting ring being expanded to expand said flanges, said rib and said inner ring being free from said flanges and said main supporting ring'.

13. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a. tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding4 the same in expanded condition, and a mainmounting ring supporting said flanges said inner ring comprising sections movable relatively to each other and expanded tol expand said rib, said rib and said inner ring` being free from said flanges and said main supporting ring.

le. In a tire construction, the combina tion of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion,` and side members extending inwardly Jfrom said tread portion and having edge flanges, anv inner ring supporting said rib and holding the saine in expanded condition, a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, and retaining rings around said flanges holding them in Clamping engagement with said main mounting ring, said riby and said inner ring being free from said flanges and said main supporting ring.

l5. In a tire construction, the 'combina-Y tion of' a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an

inner Aring supporting said rib and holding wardly from said'tread portion, and side` membersy extending inwardly from said tread portion and having` edge flanges, an

' inner ring supporting said rib and holding the saine in expanded condition, a main mountingring supporting said flanges, said rib and said inner ring being free from said,

flanges and said main supporting ring, and guide flanges preventing lateral displacement of said inner ring and said rib relatively to said edge flanges. n

17. Ina tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annularvrib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly froinx said tread yportion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the 'same in expanded condition, a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring comprising sections movable relatively to 'each other and expanded to ex pand said rib and free from said tire flanges and said main supporting ring, and guide flanges preventing lateral displacement of said inner ring and said rib relatively to said edge anges.

18. In a tire construction, the coinbination vof a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular i'ib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members rextending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring comprising a first annular por tion in sections expanded to expand saidl rib and a second Continuous annular portion holding` the sections of said first portion in expanded condition and free from said tire flanges and said main supporting ring, and guide yflanges preventing lateral displacement of said inner ring and said rib rela-V tively to said edge flanges.

19. In a tire construction, the combination of a'tire of rubber compound having tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and sideA members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having` edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, a main mountingring supporting said flanges, said inner ring comprising a fiist annular portion in sections expanded to expand said rib and a second continuous annular portion holding the sections of said first portion in expanded condition and free from said tire flanges and said main supporting ring, said annular portions having edge flanges hold ing them in assembled relation on said rib,

.and guide flanges preventing lateral dis-` placement of` said inner ring and said rib relatively to said edge flanges.

20. ln a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side` members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring comprising a first annular por tion in sections expanded to expand said rib and a second continuous annular portion holding the sections of said first portion in expanded condition.

2l. In av tire construction, the combination ofa tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending in` wardly from said tread portion, and" side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, and a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, said inner ring comprising a first annular portion in sections expanded to expand said rib and a second continuous annular portion holding the sections of said first portion in having edge flanges holding them in assembled relation on said rib.

22. in a tire construction, the combination of a tire of' rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flanges, an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the saine in expanded condition, a main mounting ring supporting said flanges, clamping segments inside of said edge flanges, and devices extending through said main supporting ring yand said segments holding' them in clamping relation.

in a tire construction, the combination of a tire of rubber compound having a tread portion, an annular rib extending inwardly from said tread portion, and side members extending inwardly from said tread portion and having edge flangesR an inner ring supporting said rib and holding the same in expanded condition, a main Vmounting ring supporting said flanges, clamping segments inside of said edge lianges, and devices extending through said main supporting ring and said segments holding` them in clamping relation, said rib and said. inner ring being free from said flanges and said main supporting ring.

2l. In a tire Construction, the combination oli' a tire of rubber compound having inwardly eXtending side portions and a rib projecting inwardly between and separated from said side portions, and a ring within said rib holding` it in expanded condition.

25. In a tire Construction, the combination or" a tire of rubber compound having inwardly extending` side portions and a rib projecting inwardly between and separated from said side portions, and a ring within said rib holding it in expanded condition. said rib and ring; being` -free from the remaining parts of the structirf'e.

26. In a tire construction, the combination oit a tire of hollow cross section having an inwardly projecting annular rib, and a ring within said rib holding it in expanded condition.

27. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of hollow cross section having an inwardly projecting annular rib., and a ring within said rib holding it in expanded condition, said rib and ring being free from the remaining parts of the structure.

28. In a tire construction, the combination of a tire of hollow cross section having an inwardly projecting annular rib, and a ring of larger diameter than the smallest diameter of the tire holding said rib in e5;- panded condition.

29. In a. tire construction, the combination of a tire of hollow cross section having in inwardly projecting` annular rib, and a ring of larger diameter than the smallest diameter or" the tire holding said rib in expanded condition, said rib and ring being free from the remaining parts of the structure.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 12th day of May, A. D. 1923.

AUGUST J. MEYER 

